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What would it take to make you quit your job to see the world?
Three friends—Jennifer, Holly, and Amanda—did just that. Known as the Lost Girls, these ladies gave up their media jobs in New York City and vowed to "get lost" with each other in a year spent traversing the globe. Their travels led them to 14 countries where they mingled with locals, provided volunteer work helping at-risk girls in Kenya, and took lessons on everything from capoeira in Brazil (Brazilian martial arts) to yoga at an ashram in India.
Did their path lead them to some uncomfortable situations? Absolutely, but that's exactly what they were searching for. Their amazing tale is now available in a book released last May called The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents, One Unconventional Detour Around the World.
Keep reading for travel tips from the Lost Girls.
I recently caught up with the Lost Girls in New York, who told me how to wander a little more comfortably.
What is your go-to budget tip that you could reveal to our readers?
Jennifer: Slow down! As we learned, the faster you move from place to place and the more destinations you try to pack in, the more cash you're going to end up dishing out. Give yourself the opportunity to get to know a place beyond its tourist attractions.
Holly: Consider subletting your place. I listed my one-bedroom apartment on a site called Airbnb.com, and this greatly helped me defray the cost of my adventures.
Amanda: Don't pay more for an overpriced travel wardrobe. I spent a ton of cash on quick-dry clothing and special convertible pants that I assumed I'd need, but very rarely wore. How often do you spontaneously get soaked while traveling and need your outfit to dry in an hour?
What is one thing that you packed that seriously saved your sanity?
Jennifer: A headlamp. I'm a night owl, and having a portable light allowed me to read after everyone else had gone to sleep.
Holly: A sleep mask and earplugs. In noisy buses, trains, and hostels, these enabled me to shut out the world and get some shut-eye!
Amanda: A universal memory card reader. It allowed me to snag photos from fellow travelers while still on the road (because, realistically, very few people actually email you after the fact).
What is one thing you wish you'd packed that you now would never leave home without?
Jennifer: Disposable contact lenses (I recommend Acuvue TruEye). I was trying so hard to save on space and money, so I brought my regular set of lenses that require constant cleaning and attention. Some things are worth the extra space and bucks.
Holly: My rolling suitcase. I can pull it around whenever there's smooth ground, but convert it into a backpack when I'm on more rugged terrain. I used one from High Sierra for a trip to China, and I love it.
Amanda: A top-notch, ultra-portable camera. I discovered a passion for photography during our trip, and I wish I'd had a better camera! I'm planning on buying the Canon G-10 before my next trip.
So what's next for the Lost Girls?
Amanda: As a group, we all feel strongly about visiting parts of Asia that we missed during our trip (or only explored cursorily), like Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Nepal. We're hoping to plan a trip to this area of the world this winter!
Looking for more tips and travel stories? Check out this exit interview from the girls' trip to Panama last October to find out what they'll never do again, what they wish they had known before they set out, and what part of their journey they can't stop talking about.
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I would definatly quit my job to travel, and I'd write a book about it too!!! If only I could....
Posted By Rosemarie on October 4, 2010, 9:26 PM
I did quit my job to travel, but some 25 years ago. I did it alone much like the author of EAT PRAY LOVE. I would recommend making such a move if you know for certain that you could get your job back like I did. Of course, I was never the same afterwards.
Posted By Louise Bleakly on October 5, 2010, 12:01 AM
Well, I took an early retirement from my job and now I am The Traveling Professor. If you want to see what I do, check out my website.
Posted By Steve From TravelingProfessor.com on October 5, 2010, 9:49 PM
In April, 1970, I quit my job to travel the world. I was 24,an editor/reporter for the Winston-Salem Journal, when I quit and headed straight for Europe on Icelandair. My trip was cut short after six months when I contracted mononucleosis and went home to recuperate. But I logged a lot of miles and the memories are still alive.
Posted By Mickey Henkel on October 7, 2010, 8:54 AM
I would love to quit my job to travel the world, however current responsibilities prevent me from being able to do this, especially in this economy.
Posted By Kim on October 11, 2010, 4:52 PM
I'm starting the 3rd year of my career break now (I left at the ripe old age of 34) and it's been fantastic! I'm not sure how re-entry will go a year from now when I plan to go back, but it's been worth every minute.
Posted By Susan on October 18, 2010, 11:24 AM
This has always been a dream, and my company has given me the opportunity to pursue it by laying me off! I'll be starting my adventure in January!
Posted By Esther on October 28, 2010, 2:22 AM
I completely disagree about the quick-drying clothing. If you're traveling anywhere in the tropics then you'll definitely appreciate a shirt that doesn't retain moisture.
Posted By Matt on October 28, 2010, 5:21 AM
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